The impact of the AFL and Australian rules football on the NFL ahead of the Los Angeles Rams playing at the MCG in 2026
“It was awesome,” he said.
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“To be able to see the MCG, too, like it’s huge. I’m super stoked to be there – had a blast, and I’m definitely looking forward to being back. I like the chilliness, too. When we went it was a little bit colder.”
Turner, who went to the MCG with leviathan teammate and offensive lineman Steve Avila, was struck by the vast dimensions of the MCG, compared with NFL fields.
“I feel like it’s different, I think just the dimensions of the field were different for me to process, too, because it’s set up obviously for footy, so it’s just huge,” he said.
“I don’t know how they’re going to set it up, but I know it’s going to be awesome. To just be able to be at a spot that has so much history, and to be able to have the first game at the MCG, that’s going to be an awesome thing.”
The Rams’ punter, Ethan Evans, hadn’t been out on the ’G. But his understanding of Australian football – specifically the code’s influence on the punting game (which is what Americans call kicking) – is considerable.
Los Angeles Rams star Kyren Williams goes on a daring run against the Jacksonville Jaguars.Credit: Los Angeles Rams
Evans learnt how to kick a drop punt – not so much bend it like Beckham, but drop punt it like Daicos – in large part by watching the burgeoning class of Australians who kick in either the NFL or American college football; he said he would kick a couple of drop punts this Sunday (local time) when the Rams play divisional rivals Seattle in one of their season’s most consequential games.
Evans, indeed, has kicked a Sherrin – having punted with Aussies, including his opposing punter this weekend, former Sydney Swans reserves player Michael Dickson.
“Yes, when I first started punting in high school… it made punting a bit easier… I looked at all the Australian guys, how they did it.”
Evans called the Sherrin a “really fun ball to kick”, noting that what they call “spirals” – a torp, in Australia – is easier to complete with the Australian football than the pointy NFL version.
Kobie Turner on his visit to the MCG in June 2025 to watch Carlton take on North Melbourne.Credit: AFL Photos
“Kicking a spiral with a Sherrin is actually pretty cool because you can kick the shit out of it,” he said.
Whatever they make of this strange oval and vast field, the LA Rams take the view that they’re gaining from the expedition.
“If anything, it’s an experience for guys,” said veteran tight end Tyler Higbee. “My first time leaving the United States was my rookie year to go play a game in London, but it cultured me a little bit.
“It allows a team to come together.”
Jake Niall travelled to Los Angeles as a guest of the Rams.
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